Dengue echoing in Swat valley

SWAT - Dengue is on the rampage in the scenic valley of Swat , setting alarm bells ringing. More and more patients keep pouring in at hospitals while authorities are dragging their feet over the matter. “Out of 50 patients, six patients have been discharged," said Dr Khurshid, Medical Superintendent of Saidu Shairf Teaching Hospital. He said 14 patients were in ICU and one patient was referred to Peshawar. More than 20 fresh cases were reported from the Mingora city while few cases were also detected in Charbagh, Matta and other parts of Upper Swat . According to the Dengue Cell, the disease has so far affected 35 people, out of which 20 patients have been registered and hospitalised.Talking to The Nation, Dr Inam, focal person for the dengue emergency cell, said the health department had started anti-mosquito spray in different parts of Mingora city. "Anti-mosquito spray will be sprayed throughout the city and its surrounding areas," he added. Dr Inam said 10 teams had been set up to carry out the said campaign.Awareness In Lahore, the LWMC Youth Club took out an anti-dengue rally from Chairing Cross to Regal Chowk. The purpose of march was to highlight the worsening issue of dengue epidemic in the metropolitan and raise awareness among masses about the precautionary measures.An awareness camp was also set up at Chairing Cross, where the public was briefed about the deadly disease.LWMC spokeswoman Memoona Arslan said that on the directives of Punjab CM, a public awareness programme was underway. “Today we are accompanying little angels and youth from city’s outskirt. Coordinator Islamiya Secondary School, Usman Khadim expressed his gratitude for LWMC for engaging the institution in this social cause.